Wormwood

Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, is one of the most bitter medicinal plants in the world. The bitter compounds in it are responsible for the plants’ therapeutic properties. However, wormwood contains a compound that can be damaging when taken in excess.

FAMILY

Asteraceae

OTHER NAMES

Absinthe, absinthium, absinthe wormwood

PARTS USED

Leaves, flowering top

HABITAT

Native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, wormwood is naturalized in North America, South America and New Zealand.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Wormwood is an evergreen perennial

Height: Usually up to 120 cm (4 ft)Width: 45-60 cm (18-24 in)Flowers: yellow, small and tubularLeaves: silvery-green above and white below, spirally arranged, covered with silky silvery-white hairsBlooms: July to October

CULTIVATION

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4a to 9bPropagation: Seed, cuttings and crown division.Germination: Sow from late winter to early summer. Germination occurs in 2 to 20 weeks at 15 Celsius (59 F).Spacing: 45-60 cm (18-24 in).Soil: Dry, well-drained and poor for best medicinal value. It also grows in rich soils as well as moist soils that are well-drained.pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline).Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.Garden Design: The silvery-green, evergreen leaves make it a beautiful addition to a border. Keep it trimmed in the herb garden as it looks unkempt if allow to grow large.Companion planting: Wormwood is an excellent companion plant to currants as it helps hinder the development of currant European rust (also know by currant felt rust and white pine blister rust). However, wormwood tends to hinder the development of many plants. Avoid it in the vegetable garden. Plant sage and yarrow in between wormwood and other plants.

HARVEST

Wormwood should be harvested as it is coming to flower.

DRYING

Hang the flowers upside down and allow them to dry thoroughly. You can also dry it in a dehydrator at about 40C (104F).

PROPERTIES

ENERGETICS

Cool

TASTE

Bitter

SCENT

Aromatic

MEDICINAL USE OF WORMWOOD

As the name implies, wormwood is a very effective herb against worm infestations, especially roundworm and pinworm. It is primarily used to stimulate the digestive system. It’s particularly helpful in indigestion, especially the kind caused by low amounts of gastric juices. Due to its high bitter contents, wormwood has been used traditionally as an anti-depressive. Bitter compounds improve the mood and cause alertness.

Used internally for:

Eliminating worms

Stimulating the appetite

Regulating the appetite (take after a meal)

Gastritis with acid deficiency

Chronic gastritis

Bile duct disorders

Gallbladder stones and infection

Liver ailments

Intestinal disorders

Flatulence

Depression

Anemia

Debility

Irregular menstrual cycle

Recommended daily dosage:

German Commission E: 2-3 g per day as infusionBritish Pharmacopeia Codex: 3-10 ml of tinctureBritish Herbal Pharmacopeia: 1-2 g dried herb or 1-2 ml fluid extract (1:1 in 25%) three times per day

Phytotherapist David Hoffmann recommends:

Infusion: 1-2 tsp of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times per day.Tincture: (1:1): 1 to 4 ml three times per day

HOMEMADE PREPARATIONS

Infusion

Tincture

Wine

Powdered herb

CULINARY USE

Wormwood is responsible for the bitter taste of vermouth, Cinzano and martinis. It also flavored absinthe, the popular 19-century aperitif that caused absinthium (wormwood poisoning).

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects are typical with overdose due to the adverse effects of thujone which is toxic. Thujone is high doses may cause vomiting, stomachache, severe diarrhea, renal lesion, retention of urine, stupor, and convulsions.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Due to its labor inducing properties, wormwood should not be used during pregnancy.
Do not use wormwood if you have stomach and intestinal ulcers.